Court Documents Detail Past Violence Between Couple in Murder-Suicide

According to court papers filed with the Nueces County District Clerk's Office, a protective order was in place between the couple that was killed in what police believe was a murder-suicide Thursday evening in this city's southside.

Author:
Jonathan Munson , KIII

Published:
2:30 PM CDT October 2, 2014

Updated:
2:30 PM CDT October 2, 2014

According to court papers filed with the Nueces County District Clerk's Office, a protective order was in place between the couple that was killed in what police believe was a murder-suicide Thursday evening in this city's southside.

The couple was also set to make a court appearance on Oct. 1.

It was around 3:40 p.m. Thursday when police were called out to the 8000 block of Etienne Drive in the Kings Crossing area after receiving reports of shots fired in the area. Once there, officers discovered the body of 42-year old Patricia Askew laying in the street and 51-year old David Askew near the front door of a house. Both had apparent gunshot wounds.

Police called for EMS crews from the Corpus Christi Fire Department to treat the man and woman, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court documents, a magistrates order was filed Aug. 11 asking that David Askew not go within 200 yards of Patricia and all places that she may reside. Five days later, a second order was filed in district court on the grounds that David engaged in conduct that constitutes family violence, stalking and harassment. It also said that he allegedly committed acts that were intended to result in harm against Patricia.

The document goes on to state that Patricia was in fear of imminent physical harm.

The violence between the couple was documented in an affidavit filed along with one of the protective orders. In it, Patricia stated that on Aug. 14, David hit her in the back of the head with a bottle; that he choked her and, in one instance, put his foot on her neck and pressed so hard that she couldn't breathe.

Hundreds of protective orders are issued each year in Nueces County. County Attorney Laura Jimenez said those orders are not just a piece of paper and do carry the full weight of the law.

"I think the perspective of the victim, the victim always have to be vigilant," Jimenez said. "Obviously, the first line of defense is always calling police officers or any law enforcement."

Investigators say they have no information to support the possibility of a third person involved in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information that could help police, call the Corpus Christi Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 361-886-2841.